The Suthers School

  • Secondary
  • Free school
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Good

Cross Lane, Fernwood, Newark, NG24 3NHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Suthers School is a secondary school in Newark for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 364 schools in Nottinghamshire. It ranks 1st of 5 secondary schools in Newark. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 12 March 2024, report published 29 April 2024

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 March 2024

Pupils at this inclusive school are friendly, polite and respectful. They feel happy and safe. They follow 'The Suthers Way'. The 'TORCH' character strengths of tenacity, optimism, respect, curiosity, and hard work underpin all that the school does. The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It has developed an ambitious curriculum that reflects those expectations. Pupils benefit from regular reading sessions that encourage a love for reading. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Staff care about their pupils' education and well-being. Clear, consistent routines ensure pupils behave well and focus on their learning within a calm and purposeful environment. They behave well at social times, including in the busy refectory. The school does not tolerate bullying. Pupils enjoy opportunities to develop their character. They take part in careers fairs and cultural events. The school offers a comprehensive range of extra-curricular activities. Most parents and carers are positive about the education their children receive. Many agreed with one parent's comment: 'My child continues to mature into a confident and articulate young person who will, thanks to the school and its dedicated and inspiring staff, fulfil their potential.'

What the school should improve

  • There is a little variability in the implementation of the curriculum. In some lessons, pupils' understanding is not systematically checked. This means that some pupils are not able to benefit from the content being taught. The school should ensure that the checks made on pupils' learning are used consistently well in all lessons.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

123 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score46.4

46.4, 0.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths52%

52%, 6.6 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths76.4%

76.4%, 11.6 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc21.1%

21.1%, 19.4 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.97

3.97, 0.12 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

684 pupils on roll, with places for 830

Eligible for free school meals27.5%

27.5%, 1 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language8.5%

8.5%, 13.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support8.2%

8.2%, 6.6 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.6%

2.6%, 3.4 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Suthers School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Newark Academy2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 45.4
Magnus Church of England Academy2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 35.7
The Priory Belvoir Academy7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.3
Sir William Robertson Academy, Welbourn9 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 39.8
Toot Hill School10 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 55.9

School details

School type
Free schools
Sector
Free school
Trust
NOVA EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mrs Nicola Watkin
Address
Cross Lane, Fernwood, Newark, NG24 3NH
Local authority
Nottinghamshire
URN
144768

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.